Technology Advances HIV Care

Technology Advances HIV Care

April 24, 2014

TARGET Center

Staff from two HRSA-funded programs have been recognized with cash awards for their innovative use of technology in the delivery of HIV care. One program has designed a patient tracking system to reduce loss to care while the second is a telehealth program that delivers care to rural residents living with HIV. The programs were recognized by the AAHIVM/Institute for Technology in Health Care HIV Practice Awards--their third year of highlighting "best practices in technological developments for the benefit of HIV care providers and their patients," according to AAHIVM, an organization providing credentialing and support for HIV care providers.

The individual awardees and their programs, described below, are both funded by HRSA's Health Centers program and Ryan White program.

Telehealth in a Rural Area

Steve McCrosky of North Country HealthCare in Flagstaff, Arizona received his award for a telehealth program that enhances the delivery of HIV care to patients residing in the largely rural area of northern Arizona. Telehealth features, in addition to 2-way remote communication between a patient and provider, include--for example--a USB-enabled tele-stethoscope to monitor vital signs, a still camera that is used to take photos of rashes for review by a dermatologist. The system reportedly works particularly well in bringing HIV care to patients living in rural areas who are further isolated by high levels of HIV stigma. More on North Country HealthCare (HRSA Health Center Profile + Website).

Reducing Loss to HIV Care Through IT Interfacing

Dr. Joanna Eveland of San Francisco's Mission Neighborhood Health Center was recognized for i2itracks (interface to interface), a population health management software for HIV care that talks to the site's electronic health records system, practice management software for patient appointments and demographics, and laboratory database. The system, which is searchable, enhances clinic work to track patient engagement in services and thus cut back on loss to care. More on Mission Neighborhood Health Center (HRSA Health Center Profile + Website).